Meanwhile, Emily knew nothing of the transaction, till Madame
Cheron informed her, that she must make preparation for the nuptials,
which would be celebrated without further delay; then, astonished and
wholly unable to account for this sudden conclusion, which Valancourt
had not solicited (for he was ignorant of what had passed between the
elder ladies, and had not dared to hope such good fortune), she
decisively objected to it. Madame Cheron, however, quite as jealous
of contradiction now, as she had been formerly, contended for a
speedy marriage with as much vehemence as she had formerly opposed
whatever had the most remote possibility of leading to it; and
Emily's scruples disappeared, when she again saw Valancourt, who was
now informed of the happiness, designed for him, and came to claim a
promise of it from herself.
While preparations were making for these nuptials, Montoni became the
acknowledged lover of Madame Cheron; and, though Madame Clairval was
much displeased, when she heard of the approaching connection, and
was willing to prevent that of Valancourt with Emily, her conscience
told her, that she had no right thus to trifle with their peace, and
Madame Clairval, though a woman of fashion, was far less advanced
than her friend in the art of deriving satisfaction from distinction
and admiration, rather than from conscience.
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